There really are cookbooks and then cookbooks. Asma Khan's latest release, monsoon is so heartwarming, educational and special. Every recipe is truly delicious and she shares a piece of who she is on every single page. Thank you, Asma.

Asma Khan is an amazing person: Chef Patron of Darjeeling Express an authentic richly flavoured all-female run restaurant, Chef Advocat for the UN and last year named by Time Magazine as one of the top one hundred most influential people. That is all good to know but what counts in a cookbook is the recipes and this collection really delivers. The dishes are influenced by the seasons and by the six principles of Ayurveda, a philosophy which seeks to nourish and body and the soul through wholesome ingredients. These are sour, tangy, spicy, sweet, salty and bitter and the balance is the key. This is Indian home-style food from Asma's Bengali heritage so there are chutneys and curries, festival dishes and snacks and sweet treats. There is so much here I want to cook-I have only had the book a couple of days and have already made the courgette parathas (absolutely delicious) poppy seed potatoes(stand-out success) and there is so much more I have to try. This is family food so the recipes are not complicated and the instructions are clear and easy to follow but it is largely not a 'throw it together in half and hour' book this is food cooked with love for those you care about. Asma suggests seasonal menus which sound lovely but you can just as easily dip in and out and just pick the recipes that appeal. If you buy one Indian cookbook this year make it this one. Thanks to Dorling Kindersley for a review copy of this title in exchange for an unbiased opinion.

First of all its the most beautiful book i have ever seen the effort thats gone in to all the content is absolutely amazing The recipes are brilliant clear instructions of everything you need to do and the options to add you own influence to the dishes too I took the opportunity straight away to make paratha and Karak Chai as these are may favourite and anyone who know me knows i love my Karak Chai i could just never make it like anyone else This book is bursting with fantastic hints and tips for making the most tasty meals, and it's super easy to follow for beginners. Most of the recipes are gluten friendly which is a great addition I absolutely love this book and will be using it to make more delicious recipes for our family to enjoy

Firstly the book looks and feels superb Then you open and start the non recipe pages, details about the author and how to understand and use flavours The recipes themselves are great, varying from really simple to more complex Even divided with some example meals This is a book that will be well used in my kitchen

Amazing recipes that are packed with flavour and the recipes are so easy to follow